Boom. Boom.

This is the sound that greeted us today when we visited RSPB Fairburn Ings, near Castleford.
As always the Bitterns were well hidden, but the sound echoed round the Reserve.
We were hoping to see the Spoonbills, but they too were no where to be seen.
Lots of cormorants nesting up in the dead trees, and herons in the scrubby willows behind them.
A good view from the top of the old slag heaps.
I did however spot a couple of my favourite birds, the avocets.
So had to be my blip for today.

The following was one of the plaques on the carved totem pole, put up for the 60 th anniversary of the Reserve in 2917.

A Sanctuary.
“ my son was born eight years ago with a serious heart condition, and we have been visiting here ever since.
It’s a sanctuary for us, not just the birds, and a place to find peace - even during the winter months.
We love to relax and feed the birds, and we have made many special memories here.
A place where our worries melt away.”

No worries for us today.
The cold wind has dropped, and we had blue sky, fluffy white clouds and sunshine.
Beautiful.
Have really enjoyed our first visit of the year.
Look forward to may be seeing the spoonbills
next time.